There is a problem facing our community that needs to be addressed: the future of our postal system.

We hear all the time that the United States Postal Service is losing money but if a proposed bill in Congress, H.R. 2309, is passed, the results will be disastrous. The results of this so-called “solution” will hurt all of us.

For generations Americans have traditionally relied on six-day service of dependable doorstep delivery of everything from postcards to packages. If Congress passes H.R. 2309, Saturday delivery will be eliminated.

In a misguided attempt to purportedly save the USPS, we will inevitably see its rapid decline and eventual death.

The argument in favor of H.R. 2309 is a weak one. The thought is that to save money, you simply cut back on costs and services. As someone who runs a small business, that kind of thinking is nonsense. You have to ask the follow-up question, “What will the impact of those cutbacks be?”

Here is where the “cutback crowd” ignores reality. You can’t cut services, raise prices, and be successful. If you limit the service you offer – especially a growing segment of postal business such as parcel delivery – all that will result is a dangerous disadvantage for the USPS.

The list of H.R. 2309’s negative consequences is lengthy and frightening. It doesn’t acknowledge that business in America is now conducted around the clock. If the USPS Saturday delivery is eliminated, businesses will have to rely on more expensive private services, unnecessarily increasing their costs.

Nor does H.R. 2309 take into account the number of jobs - approximately 80,000 - that would be lost. Veterans, a segment already hurt badly by the weak economy, hold many of these jobs.

We can’t afford to lose the USPS. Urge your congress member to vote against H.R. 2309.